John Nichols asked in USMA 24491:
I am writing a paper that I have about 1 week to finish
I need to know where the barrel of oil term comes from and what is
42 US galllons in SI.
What is a BTU in SI?
I have to get this right hence my asking
John Nichols BE, Ph.D. (Newcastle), MIE (Aust), Chartered Professional
From the French journal "Le Syst�me M�trique" I learned that the
barrel of 42 US gallons goes back to about 1850 when the only oil
well was in Pennsylvania. Customers arrived at the well head with
their own barrel to take away the kerosene that they bought. If they
bought 40 gallons they were given a bonus of another 2 gallons. I
have not been able to verify this explanation.
42 US gallons = 158.99 litres
The (Canadian) Metric Practice Guide lists 6 values of the Btu,
depending on the temperature. These range from 1054.35 J to 1059.67
J. The value 1054.615 J is the one adopted for use in the Canadian
petroleum and natural gas industry. The value recognized by ISO is
1054.5 J.
--
Joseph B. Reid
17 Glebe Road West
Toronto M5P 1C8 Telephone 416-486-6071
